I've been considering more and more beginning a teaching series which addresses the relationship between aesthetics and ethics, and one which will assuredly go well beyond the similar constructs of the words themselves.
When we think about what Paul said about "shining like stars in a crooked and depraved generation..." (Phil. 2:15 (clauses interchanged) and ponder, peradventure, the degradation of style, verve, and panache amidst the broader global landscape, perhaps we who are Christians may wonder what the role of fashion, uniqueness, and a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to our own personalities really connotes, from the Godhead's vantage point.
Let's first be clear that in no way does outer accoutrement or zest supercede the circumcision of the heart, or the brightened countenance which accompanies those who have been imbued with unction from the Holy Spirit. Nor still is there any substitute to be found exclusively in the outer veneer of one's style or panache which can overcome a wanton depletion of holiness in an individual's life or lifestyle.
But is it not proper to observe that, beyond crass comparisons and contrasts between our state of inner holiness versus our expression of personal vitality in our outer garb and attire, there may well be, upon closer scrutiny, an identifiable rapport between the inner and outer person?
When the Bible speaks of spiritual strongholds, and of spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, is it not evidenced in the daily public strata when many of us see youth who, by all accounts, show a marked deterioration not only in their inner disposition (and the blunted affect which marks their visage), but also in the disjointed nihilism which afflicts their rather thoughtless modes of dress, and the palpable sloppiness of their overall appearance?
This discussion is far more germane than we might initially assume, and my handling of it here is merely a glimpse into a much deeper topical analysis. Please keep my musings upon this subject matter in prayer, as I really see a prompting from the Lord to do an in-depth series addressing the layers of fashion, style, panache, uniqueness, and how they all fit in with a Scriptural perspective of the crucified life, the state of being born anew, and the matter of spiritual warfare in the lives of both believers and pagans who have yet to enter the Kingdom.
And I assure you, as this discussion gains momentum, we will increasingly see that, far from fashion standing at odds with the Galatians 1 Gospel, in proper context, how we express our human creativity in dress and style goes a long way toward showing an empty world that life in The New Jerusalem is savory, pure, and filled with manifold accentuation!
If I haven't proven that to you yet, stay tuned, my friend. And while you're patiently waiting, take a look in the mirror, and notice whether your mode of dress reflects your general mindset and self-perception during this particular time period in your walk of life, which I pray is moving in synch with the Tetragramatton...The Three Kings of Panache...! And no, I do not say this flippantly! Think it through before you condemn the idea or notion of fashion and holiness being polar opposites...does that really make sense?
I guess it depends on our definitions of fashion, and of the Holy of Holies....
As always,
Revival Fire Fall....
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